The Mahindra XUV500 was launched on 28th September 2011, in the most competitive segment of the auto industry in India. The SUV segment is considered to be the most competitive amongst all segments because the vehicle to possess certain key skills to make a mark on this segment. From the perspective of the Indian customers, the challenge to meet all the requirements of this segment has become even tougher. This is owing to the fact that numerous models of smaller diesel cars have been launched in India recently. These cars are much more affordable to the Indian customers and at the same time more efficient in another key area, the fuel consumption levels.
However, one should not neglect the fact that SUV cars have been specifically designed targeting a higher segment of customers, who can afford the luxury of driving around in massive vehicles. In this scenario, the Mahindra XUV500 has one key competitor in this segment, the Toyota Innova; which has recently been able to generate a huge craze amongst Indian customers. The Mahindra XUV500 also has been able to carve a niche out for itself in this segment in such a short span of time.
In this article, we try to identify the various features and specifications of these two vehicles, to conclusively try and rate the better of the two.
Engine Specifications:
The Mahindra XUV500 has been given a mHawk VGT 2.2 liter engine. This has the capacity to produce an adaptive power to the tune of 1450 BHP at 3750rpm. A torque of 330Nm can be generated between rpm 1600 to 2800.
On the other hand, we find that the Toyota Innova engines consist of diesel packaged 2KD-FTV. Additional technology has been provided in the form of an Intercooler Turbocharger along with 4-Inline cylinders. The engine has equipped the vehicle to generate a power of 102PS at 3600rpm whereas a torque of 200Nm is generated between 1400 to 3400rpm.
Verdict:
Round 1 to the Mahindra XUV500 for packing a higher punch in terms of power.
Fuel Efficiency:
Though it is unreasonable to expect high degrees of fuel efficiency from vehicles in the SUV segment as they are generally prone to higher fuel consumption when compared with cars belonging to other segments. So, we should just look at the figures in the perspective of the two vehicles.
The figures registered by the Mahindra XUV500 and the Toyota Innova when driven on highways were 15.1 kmpl and 12.8 kmpl respectively. The fuel efficiency figures for both the XUV500 and the Innova dropped to 11.5 kmpl and 10.2 kmpl, when driven on city roads.
Verdict:
XUV500 scores over the Toyota Innova when it comes to fuel efficiency.
Price:
The Mahindra XUV500 has been priced in the range of Rs.10.8 lakhs to Rs.12.88 lakhs. The petrol variant as well as the Diesel driven models of the Innova comes to you between Rs.8.35 lakhs and Rs.13.12 lakhs.
Verdict:
The Innova scores better when it comes to purchasing of the base models but the pricing balances out as you go higher up the specifications list.
Conclusion:
Based on the above-mentioned parameters only, the Mahindra XUV500 does seem to be the better SUV to opt for, in case you are planning for an adventurous trip involving speedy drives without compromising on the safety aspects.